Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Jim Rush to step down as Provost in 2025
Following seven years of service as Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. James Rush has made the personal decision to step down from his role effective June 30, 2025.
"I am grateful to Provost Rush for his commitment and leadership during my tenure as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of ݮƵ," wrote Vivek Goel in a memo circulated to employees yesterday afternoon. "The University has benefited from his leadership, especially through periods of great change and challenge."
"Jim has played a pivotal role in leading this institution, in particular through the COVID-19 pandemic, directing academic and non-academic strategy," Goel writes. "He has championed interdisciplinarity in academic work, creating the Provost’s Interdisciplinary Networks Fund to support cross-faculty networks, programs and initiatives in Academic, Research and Community building areas."
President Goel's message cites Provost Rush's support forequity and Indigenous reconciliation initiatives, including the establishment of offices and leadership roles at the Associate Vice-President level for equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and Indigenous relationsand the leading role Provost Rush played in student service coordination and support through the establishment of the Student Service Centre, International Experience Centre and the proposed Indigenous Student Centre, as highlights of his time as Provost.
"Perhaps most importantly, Jim has led with a focus on enhancing support, coordination and efficiency that will help with the long-term sustainability of our institution," President Goel's message continues. "He has reimagined the Office of the Provost to provide clearer leadership on integrated planning and budgeting, and on faculty planning and policy. This includes leadership development for academic administrators – an important part of our future leadership picture."
"I trust you will all join me in thanking Provost Rush for his service and wish him well as he returns to the Faculty of Health after an administrative leave," President Goel writes. "Jim has kindly agreed to support the transition and has committed to be available to work on projects that continue to advance our institutional priorities."
President Goel will appoint an interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost effective July 1, 2025, in order to allow for his successor as President and Vice-Chancellor to conduct a search for a permanent replacement. More details on that process will be announced in the near future.
Provost Rush wrote the following statement, circulated yesterday:
After a substantial amount of consideration and reflection, I have decided to step down as Vice-President, Academic and Provost effective June 30, 2025.
My family and I have determined that next summer will be the right time for me to step aside from the duties as Provost. This change will allow me to shift more of my time and attention to important personal demands related to, among other considerations, emerging “” family opportunities.
This will mark a break from 18 years of continuous academic leadership service, including seven as Provost, during my 25 years here at ݮƵ.
When I began at ݮƵ, I never expected to dedicate so much of my career to leadership, but it has been a very fulfilling path. Indeed, I consider it to be the highest honour of my professional career to have been selected as the University’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost in 2018, to have been re-appointed in 2022, and to have served in this capacity for what will be seven years.
During most of the period I have served as Provost, the University has faced challenging times and operational pressures that have meant we need to transform the way we work. These conditions have challenged us to rethink our organizational structure, our operations, and our strategy and vision. We have risen to the challenges, and I remain optimistic and confident in the bright future of the University of ݮƵ, its students, graduates, faculty and staff.
Although I will step down as Provost next June, I am not leaving the University. After a period of administrative leave, I will return to my professorial duties in the Faculty of Health.
In my remaining time as Provost, I will continue to be focused on foundational priorities to support the evolution of the University and its future success. These include integrated planning and budgeting, improving coordination across portfolios, and championing the development of a comprehensive Strategic Enrolment Management framework.
Thank you for your support over the years.
Read the president and provost's full statements on the Employee Communications website.
Eco Summit 2024: finding opportunity in complex times
A message from the Sustainability Office.
Sustainability is at a crucial intersection with ever-growing priorities and an urgency to act. Join the Sustainability Office on Monday, November 25 for our11thannual Eco Summitto learn more about the inspiring initiatives that are working to find solutions to our complex needs on campus.
This event will feature remarks from Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor, two exciting panels of ݮƵ students and employees, the 2024 Sustainability report and an opportunity to connect with students, teams and offices from the campus community to find actionable ways to make an impact! Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
When:November 25from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
³:Fed Hall
Registration:There is no cost to attend, but registration in advance is required.
Fall Open House rolls out the welcome mat on November 9
A message from Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment.
You might notice some excited future students and their families around campus this weekend!
This Saturday, November 9 is ourFall Open Housetaking place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Main campus will be busy with more than 18,000 guests expected. From information sessions and sample lectures to faculty, residence, and University College tours, future students will have plenty of opportunities to discover their story at ݮƵ. Open house activities are also planned on Saturday at the School of Architecture, the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business. The School of Pharmacy will be open on Sunday, November 10 for prospective students and their supporters.
If you know a university-bound student,invite them to register.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the P4E Fair
A message fromCo-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).
On September 25, the Partnerships for Employment (P4E) Job Fair brought together students and alumni from the University of ݮƵ, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Guelph and Conestoga College. This year marks the 30thanniversary of the fair!
With 181 employers in attendance, the job fair provided diverse job opportunities for students across multiple sectors. Employers were mainly from the finance and manufacturing sectors, and 53 new employers were participating for the first time. Although fewer tech companies attended than in previous years, employers with engineering roles made up 61 per centof the recruitment needs. Several recruiters from finance, human resources, information technology and marketing sectors had engaging conversations with students and alumni at their booths. Students attending the fair appreciated the broad spectrum of industries in attendance.
Read more about September’s P4E Job Fair
Flags lowered on campus this weekend and other notes
Flags across campus have been lowered todayand will remain at half-mast through to Mondayto mark a number of observances over the next four days.
Today, flags are lowered inrecognition of, which was first proclaimed in 1994. There will be afireside panel discussionheld today featuring Myeengun Henry, who will lead a conversation that will invite Indigenous veterans to share their experiences. The event will be held today from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the SLC's Black & Gold Room.
"This discussion aims to bring awareness to the unique history of Indigenous veterans, highlighting their stories and honouring their legacy," sayevent organizers." The focus is on the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Indigenous peoples in various military and peacekeeping roles throughout history."
OnSunday, November 9, flags across the country will be lowered tomark the death of the HonourableMurraySinclair, C.C., O.M., M.S.C., who passed away this week at the age of 73. Sinclair was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba, and famously served asChief Commissioner of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
In June 2021, Sinclair delivered virtual remarks at ݮƵ entitled"The Truth is Hard, Reconciliation is Harder."In 2023, his son Niigaanspoke on campusas part of the Indigenous Speaker Series.
Flags will remain lowered onMonday, November 11as the University joins in the national observance ofRemembrance Day.
It's going to besmokin' at the Chef & the Farmer's Smokehouse in the Student life Centre today. Join 2025 ݮƵ forSmokehouse Day, which will feature a free BodyArmor sports drink when you buy a smokehouse platter for only $14.99. The platter comeswith brisket, smoked chicken, pulled pork, coleslaw, fries, and candied jalapeno cornbread and is available today only. The promotion runs from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
It's time to go courtside as theWarriors Volleyball programhas its home opener games tonight. Thegame starts at 6:oo p.m. andgame is at at 8:00 pm at Carl Totzke Court (PAC) vs RMC. Thefirst 25 peopleto arrive will receive acoupon, and it'sCamps and Minor League Day,which means youth wearing their basketball jersey will receive free admission on-site. Limited quantities are available. There will also be aW-Store pop-upso you can load up on yourright at the PAC.Use your ticket to get 20 per cent off.
Congratulations are in order forDr. Susan Tighe, former ݮƵ faculty member who served as deputy provost and Associate Vice-President Integrated Planning and Budgeting, who was. Dr. Tighe joined the Civil and Environmental Engineering department inJanuary 2000 and wasthe Norman McLeod Chair in Sustainable Pavement Engineering. She wasa founding member of the Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology (CPATT).Dr. Tighe left ݮƵto serve as McMaster's Provost and Vice-President, Academic in 2020.
Save the date: theis coming up on December 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. inMC 2036."Register to attend a one-day retreat where you’lllearn how to incorporate accessible educationpractices into your course," says a note from theOffice of the Associate Vice-Presidentand the Teaching Innovation Incubator. "With an overarchinggoal to reduce overwhelm, this retreatis for instructors at any level of accessibility confidence."
Linkof the day
When and Where
The(located in the lower level of the ݮƵ Centre) is now offering new COVID booster shots and flu shots. Call for appointments to register for the vaccination at 519-746-4500 or dial extension 33784. Walk-ins are welcome.
Purchase your single game tickets or season packages today to cheer on your Warriors this season. Tickets on sale now for Basketball, Football, Hockey and Volleyball. Check out theand!
Theis open from Monday, October 21 until Friday, November 8. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited and those that submit their responses will receive $5 on theirWatCard.
The2024 Travel Surveyis open from Monday, November 4 until November 15. All students and employees are invited to participate and may enter into a draw for a $50 WatCard top-up.
Smokehouse Day, Friday,November 8,11:00 a.m. to7:00 p.m., Chef & the Farmer's Smokehouse in the Student life Centre (SLC).
National Indigenous Veterans Day: Ceremony and Fireside Chat, Friday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., SLC Black and Gold Room.Register now.
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: A nation divided?Friday, November 8, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Hagey Hall 2107.
Warriorsvs. RMC, Friday,November 8, 6:00 p.m., (arl Totzke Court, PAC. Home Opener/Camps and Minor League Day.
Warriorsvs. RMC,Friday, November 8, 8:00 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Home Opener/Camps and Minor League Day.
Fall Open House, Saturday, November 9.
Traditional Pattern Making Workshop with artist Margruite Krahn, Saturday, November 9, 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Grebel Gallery andBrubacher House.
Remembrance Day ceremony, Monday, November 11, 10:40 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., ݮƵ Centre Great Hall.
WISE Public Lecture, “The role of renewables in our journey towards reducing GHG”by Jean Roy, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kruger Energy, Monday, November 11, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., W.G. Davis Computer Research Centre (DC), Room DC 1302., In-person & on Zoom.Registertoday.
, Monday, November11, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., MC 2054.
NEW -Navigating and Supporting Menopause in the Workplace,Tuesday, November 12, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., online.
Data Journeys: Sustaining Digital Futures, Planning for the End of Your Digital project, Tuesday, November 12, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Zoom.
Hagey Lecture: Decoding Meaning in Indigenous Designfeaturing Wanda Dalla Costa,Tuesday, November 12, 7:00 p.m., Fed Hall.
NEW -Systematic and Scoping Review Series: Systematic Screening using Covidence and Zotero,Wednesday, November 13, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, DC 1568.
Buckthorn Battle, Wednesday, November 13, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
NEW -The Eats Tour (UW 2025 ݮƵ Version),Wednesday, November 13, Village 1, Taylor Swift-inspired menu, friendship bracelet making from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Noon Hour Concert:Hearing the Desert, Wednesday, November 13,12 noon,Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Free admission.
NEW -Value interactions between water and hydropower in Ontario Power Generation, presented by Kurt Kornelsen, Director, Environment and Climate Change, Ontario Power Generation.Wednesday,November 13, 12 noon.
WISE Public Lecture, “European Offshore Wind and HVDC”by Dr. Gen Li, Associate Professor, Technical University of Denmark., Wednesday, November 13, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., W.G. Davis Computer Research Centre (DC), Room DC 1302., In-person & on Zoom.Registertoday.
, Thursday, November 14,10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Global Lounge, International Experience Centre, Needles Hall.
, Thursday, November 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library, first floor. Drop-in event.
The Foundation: Building Inclusive Research Teams,Thursday, November 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.to receive the Zoom link.
Walking the Path of Hope: Climate Anxiety and the Healing Forest, Thursday, November 14, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Arts Lecture Room 116.RSVP for Walking the Path of Hope.
Avoiding the ‘REDs’ card: Understanding the impacts of Relative Energy Deficiency in sport for active youth and adults, Thursday, November 14, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. School of Pharmacy, 10A Victoria St. S., Kitchener.
Benjamin Eby Lecture: Paint as Protest: Analyzing Graffiti and Street Art,Thursday, November 14, 7:30 p.m.,Conrad Grebel University College Great Hall.
NEW -Lectures in Catholic Experience presents Matt Hoven, Thursday, November 14, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Notre Dame Chapel, St. Jerome's University.
NEW -Fusion Conference, Saturday, November 16.
NEW -Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Sustainable Aeronautics at University of ݮƵ, Monday, November 18, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
NEW -, Monday, November 18, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., online.
NEW -Digital Tools & Methods: Introduction to Data Cleanup, Tuesday, November 19, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Zoom.
PhD oral defences
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering.Farima Liravi, "Machine Learning-Driven Optimization of Laser Powder Bed Fusion: From Powder Characterization to Process Parameter Tailoring for Ti6Al4V Powders." Supervisor, Dr.Ehsan Toyserkani.Thesis available on SharePoint - emaileng.phd@uwaterloo.cato request a viewing link. Oral defence Friday, November 8, 1:00 p.m., remote.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering.Ahmad Reza Alghooneh, "A Unified Multi-Frame Approach for Autonomous Vehicle Perception and Localization Using Radar, Camera, LiDAR, and HD Map Fusion." Supervisors, Dr. Amir Khajepour, Dr.George Shaker. Thesis available on SharePoint - emaileng.phd@uwaterloo.cato request a viewing link. Oral defence Friday, November 8, 2:30 p.m., remote.
Systems Design Engineering.Pouyan Keshavarz Motamed, "Numerical and experimental investigation of effects of deformability of circulating tumor cells in physical occlusion." Supervisors, Dr.Nima Maftoon, Dr.Mahla Poudineh.Thesis available on SharePoint - emaileng.phd@uwaterloo.cato request a viewing link. Oral defence Monday, November 11, 12 noon, remote.
Electrical & Computer Engineering.Mohsen Azadinia, "Investigating and optimizing of charge balance and its effect on efficiency and lifetime of QLEDs." Supervisor, Dr.Hany Aziz.Thesis available on SharePoint - emaileng.phd@uwaterloo.cato request a viewing link. Oral defence Tuesday, November 12, 9:00 a.m., EIT 3142.
Systems Design Engineering.Mahsa Golchoubian, "Human-aware Autonomous Vehicle Navigation in Pedestrian-rich Unstructured Environments." Supervisors, Dr.Nasser Lashgarian Azad, Dr.Kerstin Dautenhahn.Thesis available on SharePoint - emaileng.phd@uwaterloo.cato request a viewing link. Oral defence Tuesday, November 12, 9:00 a.m.,E7-7363.
Upcoming service interruptions
Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes onthe Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:
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Entrance to Staff O Lot between Columbia Street and Bright Starts Daycare lane closure, Monday, November 4 to Friday, November 8,driveway between Columbia Street and Bright Starts Daycare will be temporarily closed for underground sub grade and service work. "Staff O" Parking lot will also be closed for the week. (O Lot permit is valid in X Lot)
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Douglas Wright Engineering, Rod Coutts Hall, South Camplus Hall, Carl Pollock Hall, Graduate House fire alarm testing, Friday, November 8.
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Central Services Building, General Services building, Commissary fire alarm testing, Friday, November 8, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Douglas Wright Engineering electrical shutdown, Sunday, November 10 from 8:00 a.m. for 8 hours, all power will be off including elevator, emergency lighting will be available. At 9:00 a.m. 600-volt power will be restored, including elevator power, 120/208 volt power will remain off for the duration.
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Driveway between Columbia Street and Bright Starts Daycare lane closure, Monday, November 11 to Saturday, November 30, Staff O Lot and Visitor O parking lots will have closures expected to start on November 18 (TBD), as an underground high voltage duct bank is installed. Vehicle traffic to Bright Starts and the Optometry loading area, X Lot, and O Lots will have to take alternate routes using Hagey Blvd.
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Modern Languages, Dana Porter Library, Environment 1, Environment 2, Environment 3, Needles Hall fire alarm testing, Monday, November 11, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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East Campus 4, East Campus 5 fire alarm testing, Monday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Davis Centre (DC) 3rd Floor, Room 3355 electrical shutdown, Thursday, November 14, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., 120/208V non-essential power will be shut down for approximately one hour to fix breakers in the panel, wireways and some receptacles will be offline during the duration of the shutdown.
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Physical Activities Complex (PAC) electrical shutdown, Friday, November 15, 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., 120/208V non-essential power will be shut down to tie in new feeds, north building lights will be offline during the shutdown duration, emergency lights will stay operational.
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All lanes of Columbia Street Between "N Lot" and "O Visitor Lot" closure,Monday, November 18 to Saturday, November 30, start date may be adjusted due to weather and City of ݮƵ requirements, all lanes closed as underground high voltage electrical duct bank is installed for the Opometry addition. Vehicle and bicycle traffic will be diverted to alternate routes, pedestrian traffic will be affected on north and south sidewalks for some of the interruptions.